Where the Kansas City Chiefs fall in ESPN's early 2022 power rankings
The 2021 season ended less than 24 hours ago, but that didn't stop ESPN from revealing their early 2022 NFL power rankings. And neither team that played in Super Bowl LVI — the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals — are in ESPN's top two. Instead, it's the Buffalo Bills at No. 2 and […]
The 2021 season ended less than 24 hours ago, but that didn't stop ESPN from revealing their early 2022 NFL power rankings.
And neither team that played in Super Bowl LVI — the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals — are in ESPN's top two.
Instead, it's the Buffalo Bills at No. 2 and the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 1.
Here's what ESPN's Adam Teicher had to say about the Chiefs:
The Chiefs went from 11th in sacks in their Super Bowl 2019 season to 19th in 2020 to 29th this season. They will never get the defensive consistency they desire without turning around this trend, as coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system is based on getting pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Chiefs can build around Chris Jones, but Melvin Ingram III and Jarran Reed are prospective free agents while Frank Clark's contract might be too expensive for the Chiefs to give him another season. Some creative solutions might be in order, but improving the pass rush is a priority.
ESPN is spot on with their analysis of the Chiefs. There's no point in even mentioning the offense because we all know the offense is elite. What happened in the second half of the loss to the Bengals was an anomaly. That's not the real Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes and the offense will be just fine.
The Chiefs just need to fix their pass rush this offseason. That's why I think they'd be wise to make a run at Von Miller, who will be a free agent when the league year ends.
Miller has made it known he's open to leaving the Rams. If he wants to get Super Bowl ring No. 3 with team No. 3, the Chiefs might be his best bet.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
